Degree Apprenticeships

What are degree apprenticeships?

Degree apprenticeships work differently across the UK. This page covers degree apprenticeships in Wales.

A degree apprenticeship in Wales provides the opportunity to combine working with part-time study at university.

Employers in Wales can offer a degree apprenticeship in partnership with an university in Wales. The employer covers the cost of the apprentice’s wages and Medr fully funds the degree apprentices.

Degree apprentices work alongside experienced employees to gain practical skills and experience while studying to gain their degree.

How long is a degree apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship will last at least three years and usually up to a maximum of five years. Degree apprentices are employed and paid a salary for the duration of the course.

The apprenticeships run for the duration of the degree course with apprentices spending part of their time at university and the rest with their employer.

What are the benefits for degree apprentices?

Degree apprentices:

• Are employed
• Are paid a salary
• Gain a degree or other higher level qualification
• Do not pay course fees
• Learn from work colleagues and teaching staff
• Can immediately apply their learning
• Develop valuable knowledge, experience and skills

Who can apply?

Applicants need to:

• Aged 18 or over – there is no upper age limit
• Be working in Wales for 51% or more of their time
• Be recruited to, or in a job role appropriate to, the apprenticeship
• Meet the university entry requirements for the degree apprenticeship

Usually, the degree apprentice would have a level 3 or equivalent qualification to be eligible for a degree apprenticeship. Check with the university for entry requirements.

You cannot start an apprenticeship if you are still in full time or part time education.

For more information on applying for a degree apprenticeship contact us at Careers Wales or contact the universities directly.

Degree apprenticeships available in Wales

Employers in Wales can offer a degree apprenticeship in IT, engineering, construction, or advanced manufacturing through a partnership with a university in Wales.

Visit each university's degree apprenticeship page for detailed information on the courses available:

• Bangor University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• Cardiff University – School of Engineering
• Swansea University
• The Open University in Wales
• University of South Wales
• University of Wales Trinity St David
• Wrexham Glyndŵr University

Find other higher level or degree apprenticeships

Opportunities for higher level or degree apprenticeships are available in a wide range of subject areas across Wales and the UK.

Network75

The University of South Wales has a Network75 programme. This is a combined work placement and part-time study route to a degree. Network75 students have their tuition fees paid in full and receive a bursary.

Employers who offer apprenticeships

Explore our list of employers who offer higher level and degree apprenticeships.

You apply for a degree apprenticeship with an employer in the same way as you would for a normal job. Degree apprenticeship vacancies will include details of how to apply.

England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

Degree apprenticeships work differently across the UK:

• England – visit the Prospects website to find out more about the types of degree apprenticeships available
• Scotland – in Scotland degree apprenticeships are called graduate apprenticeships. Visit Apprenticeships.Scot to find out more
• Northern Ireland – in Northern Ireland degree apprenticeships are called Higher level apprenticeships. Visit nidirect to find out more

You may also find information on the UCAS website.

What are the benefits for employers?

Degree apprenticeships are flexible – they can be designed around the needs of the employer.

Benefits to employers can be to:

• Fill skills gaps
• Discover new talent
• Lower recruitment costs
• Help with business growth

Businesses of any size in Wales can take on degree apprentices. Employers can find out more and register their interest on the Business Wales website.

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